I recently explored the world of slow cinema for my research, and Paul Schrader’s Transcendental Style in Film has been a guiding light.

“Slow cinema…features minimal narrative, little action or camera movement and long running times.”

I might conclude it as a cinema meditation, where you experience ‘time’ in an experiential mode rather than ‘expositional’ like in a conventional cinema.

“Most movies lean towards you, slow cinema lean away from you, and they use time, or some people could call it – boredom as techniques. When you know how to use these techniques smart enough, you are activating the viewer.”

— Paul Schrader Interview link

This image captures Schrader’s universe of slow cinema, ‘situated‘ in the transcendental style.

I get slow cinema, but I’m still getting my head around the transcendental bit. It’s a complex and fascinating approach that I’m eager to explore more.

Indrani

29 Sept 2024